Before the trial, I did no research, I only heard what the mainstream media reported, including the chopped up 911 call NBC played.

When the trial started, I listened to it every day at work, starting out rooting for the prosecution.

As the case went on, I started to realize that the case had been mischaracterized in the media and that there was in fact Reasonable Doubt. I saw that the prosecution was unable to establish a consistent narrative of what happened, and relied only on attacking Zimmerman's character and evoking emotion for Martin. I am sad that Martin is dead, it should not have happened. Both men made stupid mistakes that night. I don't know Zimmerman well enough to make a call on if he truly had ill-will in his heart. But I am happy a not guilty verdict was reached, because it means that evidence and the process of law have overridden appeals to emotion.

The judicial system worked exactly how it's supposed to. There was enough reasonable doubt to acquit, and that was how it should be. The judicial system convicts based on facts and should prove beyond a reasonable doubt, not convict based on public opinion.

Coco LaFemme:Of course he got off. All you need to do anymore to get away with murder is say you felt "threatened." Doesn't matter what color anyone is in this equation. Two white people, two black people, mixed...doesn't really matter. As long as you the shooter tell the jury that you were afraid for your life, you could justify killing an infant if it came down to it.

That's how farked up this country is right now.

Did you miss all those things they call "evidence" and "facts?" Zimm was getting the shiat kicked out of him and his head being banged against the sidewalk.

The investigating officer knew not to arrest. There were no charges until it got political and then the political types got their a$$es handed to them. Zimmerman will now sue and win a case for malicious prosecution. He should never have been charged.

You mean facts won out on race driven emotional plea /bias from the media and community leaders. and my favorite DUMBARSE line from idiots... B-B-But what if he was a white kid?? well they would have found him not guilty too... You are entitled to your own opinions just not your own facts.

I think it was a clear case of manslaughter due to Zimmerman's negligence. Unfortunately the over reached trying to argue a murder case instead of arguing manslaughter. All they would have had to prove is that George Zimmerman actions caused the unnecessary death of Trayvon Martin and nothing involving motive and such.

Personally I do not think it's right that in Florida you can pretty much provoke someone, shoot them dead if they start kicking your ass, and then get off free claiming self defense.

Anyone who celebrates this should be shunned.Anyone who threatens him should be prosecuted.Anyone who thinks this means "open season on whatever minority I don't like" should be prosecuted.Violent rioters should be prosecuted.

Furthermore, everyone should be depressed. A kid is dead, his family is scarred, and a man's life was thrown into chaos and will likely be haunted by this for the rest of his life.

No one wins no matter what happens. My main concern was that people would celebrate this trial's conclusion, despite what a horrible thing that is to celebrate, and I was proven right.

CrazyCracka420:I think there's a positive lesson we can all learn from this tragedy:

Make sure you're the only one left standing after you start an altercation.

2 out of 3 isn't enough. You gotta finish the job. That's what this verdict says. Like this thread shows, its easy to blame a dead guy for starting a fight---he's not around to testify to the contrary. You could say Trevyon was the local chapter head of NAMBLA and it would be equally as meaningful.

The right wing wanted a revolution, couldn't start it with guns. The left wing wanted a revolution, couldn't push it with paper. The race baiters won't get one by trying to pretend a Hispanic man was white and wrong for defending himself.

People like Jackson and Sharpton want to lead civil rights movement 2.0. They could start by bein actual leaders rather than ambulance chasing to profit from other people's tragedies.

Of course he got off. All you need to do anymore to get away with murder is say you felt "threatened." Doesn't matter what color anyone is in this equation. Two white people, two black people, mixed...doesn't really matter. As long as you the shooter tell the jury that you were afraid for your life, you could justify killing an infant if it came down to it.

Apparently - a jury stacked with mothers was of the same mindset of Trayvon's own mother - based on the content of Trayvon's text messages. He was needing the discipline of a man. Unfortunately, it didn't come from his father. A sad story, but it likely didn't start with meeting Zimmerman. It only ended that way.

2) There is not enough verifiable information available for anyone to honestly conclude how justified the shooting was or was not.

3) As such, anyone falling hard on one side or the other of this issue is motivated by something other than just facts.

3) The jury found there was not enough evidence to remove reasonable doubt, and therefore acquitted. They even asked for a clarification of their Manslaughter option - it's not like they just wanted to let the guy off the hook for taking the life of a stranger.

4) This does not equate to Zimmerman being innocent.

5) Anyone upset by this verdict is not being reasonable and/or doesn't understand how our justice system works.

6) Anyone celebrating this verdict is not being reasonable, they're gloating.

7) Protesting or rioting over this verdict accomplishes nothing whatsoever.

8) If you riot, you lack self control and have nothing of value to contribute to society.

9) If you loot or perform random acts of damage that hurt the lives or livelihoods of strangers because you're pissed about something entirely unrelated to those people, you are a worthless human being.

10) If you don't like the society and the laws that brought about this killing, this trial, and/or this verdict, it is your responsibility to act in a manner to that might actually affect change instead of just being a dick about it:

- VOTE.

- Become involved in politics, and actively support candidates and laws that might lead to effective change.

- Become informed on the issues that concern you, and speak about them. Out-reason anyone who disagrees with you. Prove them wrong.

- Become active in your community, and try to affect change locally as well.

- Fight for or against gun laws. Fight for or against stand-your-ground laws. Etc.

Mentat:He didn't attack him outright. He confronted Zimmerman in his car and Zimmerman wouldn't identify himself. Trayvon then ran away and waited for Zimmerman to follow him, which he did.

That's precisely why the great danger out of this is not more riots, but a lot more George Zimmermans. A lot of people are going to feel emboldened to act out their prejudicial suspicions as if they were facts. And as long as they kill that person, depending on the laws where they live, they won't have to be as concerned that they'll face any real consequences for doing so. Besides inflaming racial perceptions on all sides, it creates more everyday paranoia, weakening the social fabric along more than one dimension.

Skeptigal:You stupid FLORIDIOTS! Too bad "stand your ground" is only a defense if you're white. A woman who fired warning shots at her husband who was coming at her (she had a protective order against him), was just sentenced to 20 yrs in prison. For attempted manslaughter. In Florida. Guess what color she is?

Guess what? She broke into her SO's house when she had a restraining order against him, confronted him, left his house to get her gun out of her car, returned to continue to argument, and fired a "warning shot" that deflected off the wall and into the ceiling when her children were standing in the same room.

Oh yeah, there was a 911 call where she could be clearly heard saying "I got something for you" and then a shot.

Then she insisted she had a SYG defense when she had a plea deal on the table and rolled the dice on a trial when the charges she was up against had a 20 year mandatory minimum.

I'm very unhappy Martin is dead. I honestly believe Zimmerman caused the altercation to happen by his actions. But I accept the jury's decision that Zimmerman didn't murder him nor committed manslaughter.

But I was once a 17-year-old male, walking in my Florida neighborhood at night after going to the local store. Glad no Zimmernam followed me in their car, carrying a gun.

We can, unless one of us is a racist wannabe Dirty Harry that profiles kids going home from the convenience store as criminals and thugs deserving of a death sentence for the incredible offense of Walking While Black After Dark.

Just letting you guys know that I spoke with Drew and he gave me permission to lock this thread in advance. Nothing good can come out of this discussion thread. The internet is not for anger in discourse. Please do not attempt to use the "Add Comment" button. Doing so will redirect you to a video of a cat cleaning itself. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Kevin72:You are asking 20/20 hindsight speculation. Somehow there was Zimmerman safe in his car and then somehow he is being walloped and mounted like an animal.

Ok, so lets go through the facts as we know them from when he was in his car, to when he was being "walloped and mounted"

- Zimmerman in his car watching Martin (not illegal)- Martin walking around the streets (not illegal)- Zimmerman on phone with 911 (not illegal)- Zimmerman gets out of car (not illegal) *and also not "ignoring the order of the cops not to" as 911 operator =/= cop- Zimmerman follows Martin (not illegal)- Martin goes into a bush to see what Zimmerman does (not illegal)- Martin gets out of bush when Zimmerman approaches (not illegal)*ALETERCATION OCCURS*- Martin is on top of Zimmerman and is assulting him (ILLEGAL)- Zimmerman shoots Martin while being assulted (not illegal)

Now these are the known, proven facts of the case, either documented by scientific study, or by 3rd party accounts (911 operator, witnesses, etc), and not at all dependant on what GZ says happened. You can take they completely out of the equation, so it eliminates the "GZ is lying" angle.

All of these facts are true. Now, in that list, there is only ONE action that is (A) a proven fact and (B) is against the law, and that is Martin is being on top of Zimmerman and assaulting him. Again, that is the only known fact in the timeline that is an illegal act. And that allows for the next event in the timeline to be considered lawfully justified; Zimmerman shooting Martin.

The *only* point of contention; what this entire case hinges on (and really nothing else), is the underlined item, the actual physical altercation.

It therefore comes down to two options:- if Martin was the first party to commit the first physical contact, then Zimmerman is not guilty of any criminal acts thereafter- if Zimmerman was the first party to commit the first physical contact, then Martin is not guilty of any criminal acts thereafter

In determining which option is true, we have to look at what the evidence is given to us. Again, even removing GZs statements, the only evidence we have is this: Zimmerman had injuries that was a restult of a physical altercation, and Martin did not.

And thats it. Thats is all there is. Given just these known facts, and the sole desision that had to be made; based on that, while we can't call Zimmerman "Innocent" we can't call him "Guilty", and that is the outcome we had today in the court.

Incidentally, no matter your feelings on Zimmerman, you should at least be somewhat happy about the outcome of the trial. Because it *SHOULD* be hard as fark to convict someone for something like murder; if there's enough reasonable doubt (whether it's due to the defendant actually being innocent, a lack of evidence or just a shiatty prosecutor), an acquittal means the system works.

iq_in_binary:Carth: iq_in_binary: Penman: iq_in_binary: Because the asshole who thinks a gun in his pocket makes him a cop that decided you looked suspicious won't go to jail for shooting you after starting a fight with you and losing.

Every Trayvon cheerleader gets this wrong. Trayvon Martin started the fight.

Actively pursuing somebody starts a fight, sorry.

If someone is trying to get the fark away from you and you won't let them? You're instigating a fight.

Following someone isn't illegal. Punching someone for following you is. Martin had no legal obligation to flee from Zimmerman (but he was only 100 yards from home and had 3 minutes to get there) but he did have a legal obligation not to beat Zimmerman for following him

Wrong.

Legal investigator. MY JOB was following people. You NEVER continuously trail somebody from less than 20-30 yards away. Because any closer is considered menacing. Besides that, if you had half a brain, you wouldn't be trailing somebody in a fashion that would alert them to the fact that you're tailing. For exactly the same reason, it can be construed as intimidating or threatening. Menacing, Intimidation, Stalking, there are all kinds of criminal charges that can and will be levied against you for following people around, and plenty of investigators have been tried with them despite the perfectly legitimate reasons they have to be investigating people.

Constantly following somebody around in a manner that they are aware of and at close proximity IS illegal behavior, in many places majorly so.

Like I said, Zimmerman started the fight.

It isn't illegal in FL. Did you actually watch the trial? That was one of the main things they talked about during jury instruction and the state couldn't come up with any FL state law that said you couldn't follow anyone. Stalking, defined in Fl as repeated following, is illegal. Following someone to report their movements to 911 wasn't illegal according to the case.

Carth:iq_in_binary: Penman: iq_in_binary: Because the asshole who thinks a gun in his pocket makes him a cop that decided you looked suspicious won't go to jail for shooting you after starting a fight with you and losing.

Every Trayvon cheerleader gets this wrong. Trayvon Martin started the fight.

Actively pursuing somebody starts a fight, sorry.

If someone is trying to get the fark away from you and you won't let them? You're instigating a fight.

Following someone isn't illegal. Punching someone for following you is. Martin had no legal obligation to flee from Zimmerman (but he was only 100 yards from home and had 3 minutes to get there) but he did have a legal obligation not to beat Zimmerman for following him

Wrong.

Legal investigator. MY JOB was following people. You NEVER continuously trail somebody from less than 20-30 yards away. Because any closer is considered menacing. Besides that, if you had half a brain, you wouldn't be trailing somebody in a fashion that would alert them to the fact that you're tailing. For exactly the same reason, it can be construed as intimidating or threatening. Menacing, Intimidation, Stalking, there are all kinds of criminal charges that can and will be levied against you for following people around, and plenty of investigators have been tried with them despite the perfectly legitimate reasons they have to be investigating people.

Constantly following somebody around in a manner that they are aware of and at close proximity IS illegal behavior, in many places majorly so.

iq_in_binary:Penman: Pincy: Penman: iq_in_binary: Because the asshole who thinks a gun in his pocket makes him a cop that decided you looked suspicious won't go to jail for shooting you after starting a fight with you and losing.

Every Trayvon cheerleader gets this wrong. Trayvon Martin started the fight.

So we have video of how this whole thing went down?

A 911 call and the injuries to Zimmerman.

Yes, a 911 call where Zimmerman admitted to pursuing Martin. Despite being told not to.

Active pursuit is threatening behavior. That's instigating a fight. Like I said, he was losing a fight he started, and like a little biatch pulled the gun because he was a sore loser.

You can turn around and violently attack someone because they're walking down the same street as you? "Yes Officer, I thought he was pursuing me, I just didn't like the way he looked, so I beat the shiat out of him"In fact it seems like Trayvon might be the racist one, assuming that the Mexican guy is out to get him.

RockSteadyUSMC:The judicial system worked exactly how it's supposed to. There was enough reasonable doubt to acquit, and that was how it should be. The judicial system convicts based on facts and should prove beyond a reasonable doubt, not convict based on public opinion.

/USMC MP//Yes I have a clue

Exactly what I just said to my wife. He's probably guilty but there is enough doubt. This is how the judicial system is supposed to work. Error on the side of letting guilty people go free rather than incarcerating the innocent.

shastacola:Mid_mo_mad_man: Zimmerman was found not guilty. If one followed the court everyday this was an easy verdict to reach. It's clear Martin was not scared of Zimmerman but he was angry. Martin was a thug with a violent past. He was on marijuana and didn't have a clear rational head. Zimmerman had a legal right to follow Martin. He had the right to call 911. No law was broken till Martin jumped George. Once that happened he was in his rights to shot Martin. No tears should be shed for Martin.

Ever notice how many Zimmerman fans feel a need to paint Martin as a thug? What was any more "thuggish" about him than most teenagers? He got suspended from school for graffiti,truancy and pot. Please explain how this makes him a "violent thug".

Well, the actual violence he participated in, referring to your last sentence. But I am really starting to hate the word thug. It's starting to become the "N-word" when you cant say the actual phrase "N-word". How far down the rabbit hole will these hyphenated code words delve?

There's no evidence whatsoever that this tragedy was little more than a misunderstanding between two men. Zimmerman was doing his civic duty by keeping eyes on someone he thought might be a burglar. It turns out, Martin wasn't a burglar, he was just your average non-criminal millenial. Trayvon likely thought he was being threatened, a reasonable assumption. Unfortunately it seems clear that Trayvon thought that initiating a physically forceful confrontation was a safe idea. This is NEVER a good idea in a country with a 2nd amendment. Be respectful of your fellow citizen and don't initiate force and you'll likely never get shot. Trayvon didn't think, he started a fight with someone who he reasonably though threatened him, and Zimmerman defended himself legally when he feared he would no longer be able to respond.

That's it, anything else is race-baiting nonsense. This is little more than a misunderstanding between too men that went too far. If there were other people nearby who would have had the good sense to intervene, it would have never gotten this far. If Trayvon runs home instead of finding Zimmerman, nothing happens. If Zimmerman watched from his car, nothing happens. No moral crime save the initiation of force occurred in this situation. We will never know who started it, but all testimony and evidence points to Trayvon starting the fight. Regardless, there's nothing racist about this tragedy, it's just what happens when fights go too far. If Zimmerman didn't have a gun on him, it's entirely possible he would end up like Brian Stow.

...most of the trigger-happy Republicans out there would have approached this case from a completely different side. Something like "It should be legal for teenagers to carry concealed firearms so they can defend themselves from black men who stalk them and kill them!"

Penman:iq_in_binary: Penman: Pincy: Penman: iq_in_binary: Because the asshole who thinks a gun in his pocket makes him a cop that decided you looked suspicious won't go to jail for shooting you after starting a fight with you and losing.

Every Trayvon cheerleader gets this wrong. Trayvon Martin started the fight.

So we have video of how this whole thing went down?

A 911 call and the injuries to Zimmerman.

Yes, a 911 call where Zimmerman admitted to pursuing Martin. Despite being told not to.

Active pursuit is threatening behavior. That's instigating a fight. Like I said, he was losing a fight he started, and like a little biatch pulled the gun because he was a sore loser.

You can turn around and violently attack someone because they're walking down the same street as you? "Yes Officer, I thought he was pursuing me, I just didn't like the way he looked, so I beat the shiat out of him"In fact it seems like Trayvon might be the racist one, assuming that the Mexican guy is out to get him.

Ok, I'm heavy on the self defense opinion myself, I think we may have started off on the wrong foot.

Let me explain, I have insight into the legal system that you do not have. I was a legal investigator. A good one, I charged $150/hr for static surveillance and $225/hr plus the rates of other investigators helping me for dynamic surveillance. That's right, my job was following people.

Let's get something straight, following people in a menacing manner IS against the law. For us? Unless we we're in confined quarters like a bar or strip club or restaurant, the general rule is stay the fark outside of a 20-30 yard bubble. Why? Because any closer can be considered menacing. Investigators have been charged with intimidation, stalking, disorderly behavior, you name it for trailing people. Because guess what, constantly following people around IS generally considered in the court of law to be threatening behavior.

As a "legal professional" (don't kid yourself, I was hired muscle for lawyers, and because of who I worked for it was TECHNICALLY legal, though morally wrong) I have both a wide breadth when it comes to defending myself but also a pretty close look at how the criminal element and how unfavorably it treats those not working for the system. I'm also fairly liberal now, so I try and confine my use of force worthy situations to as small a list of justifiable situations as possible. Basically, the mantra is, GET THE fark AWAY. Why? Showing that you did the best you could to avoid the situation in the first place goes a long way in criminal cases towards showing necessity of your actions. Awareness, Detection, Evasion. Be aware, detect the threat, and do your best to get the fark away from it. Failing that, preemptive offense. I've worked for many a lawyer, one of whom has personally taken a police chief in front of the SCOTUS and biatch slapped him up one side the court and down the other over a rejected CCW application. He told me to write a book on self defense after discussing this subject at length, and offered to write the forward.

Zimmerman pursued. In a sane world, that would preempt a self defense claim. He wasn't a cop, he was armed against Neighborhood Watch rules, etc.. That he's walking around free when it very well could have been me that he tried to chase that night because I was doing an asset check is disturbing. Why? Because the best way to diffuse a violent situation is to get away from it. That there is a legal climate in any state of our union that justifies someone pursuing (which like I said, for me, IS criminal behavior if they spot me and I'm closer than 20-30 yards) thus starting a fight (I kind of have to think that way because my mere presence is very detrimental to them, it means their life is about to take a turn for the worse if I live to turn in that affidavit, motive AND opportunity considering they're in visible range of me), and shooting someone when they end up losing the fight(which is again likely with me, I took hand to hand and defensive pistol training very seriously), is a VERY BAD THING.

In short, I am (or was, now that I'm not on the job anymore and relocated to a city where I didn't have a bunch of people rather pissed at me) the epitome of the reason to be paranoid and walk around armed, and even I find some very big and glaring issues with this ruling. Whether or not you chose to address them is up to you. But as someone who had big reason to be concerned over this who is quite invested in legal self defense, quit it with your pretentious shiat.

I don't think he's necessarily expressing a legal opinion. Zimmerman, regardless of the trial verdict, took actions that ultimately resulted in him killing a teenager. Sounds like the teenager made plenty of bad decisions too, but nonetheless, no one should have died that night.

Great now Zimmerman can sue ABC for starting this circus! ABC who doctored the police video to cover his injuries and stated Zimmerman lied when he said he was attacked causing America to get in a up-roar..... Zimmerman should also sue the media outlet who dubbed the 911 tape to make it sound like he was racist and played it on the news...These two things America was not told was fake for months after the fact!

The law is the law despite or even in spite of what Judge Dredd proclaimed. From my little armchair I concluded based on the evidence that Zimmerman would have been guilty of at least something. In Florida, apparently not.

My opinion means nothing there. My opinion means less than nothing here! This is the law we are discussing, and the law is at worst lawful evil. The jury decided.

I hope that Zimmerman will find a quiet life. I suspect that will not be true. I suspect vigilantes will make his life hell. At this point, I'm hating the vigilantes. Give him the respect the jury gave him. Leave him alone.

Yeah, it'd be a damn shame if someone took the law into their own hands and shot someone they believed to be a criminal.

DicksWii:Since George Zimmerman is not guilty of the gun death of Trayvon Martin, then that just proves my point --- People don't kill people, GUNS kill people. Can we get started on that National Gun Confiscation thing now?

Penman:iq_in_binary: Because the asshole who thinks a gun in his pocket makes him a cop that decided you looked suspicious won't go to jail for shooting you after starting a fight with you and losing.

Every Trayvon cheerleader gets this wrong. Trayvon Martin started the fight.

Not at all. The jury makes no determination on what went on that night. They only found that the prosecution did not meet the elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Say you believe what prosecution argued and disbelieve everything the defense stated and Zimmerman's story. Zimmerman followed Martin, there was a confrontation of some kind, Zimmerman suffered superficial injuries and shot Martin. There simply isn't enough there to prove 2nd degree murder or even Manslaughter without having to make too many inferences. The jury followed the instructions and found him not guilty. That doesn't mean Zimmerman is innocent, it just means there wasn't enough proof he was guilty. The prosecution didn't have a lot to work with and probably did a few things they wish they had done differently now. However even with the best presentation possible of the facts they had available, it was a tough case.

Put me in team French toast. Some scrambled eggs with a little bit of milk and cinnamon to drench some stale bread before a quick trip through a non-stick pan to heat it up. Top it with a little butter and some honey and I am set.

iq_in_binary:Penman: Pincy: Penman: iq_in_binary: Because the asshole who thinks a gun in his pocket makes him a cop that decided you looked suspicious won't go to jail for shooting you after starting a fight with you and losing.

Every Trayvon cheerleader gets this wrong. Trayvon Martin started the fight.

So we have video of how this whole thing went down?

A 911 call and the injuries to Zimmerman.

Yes, a 911 call where Zimmerman admitted to pursuing Martin. Despite being told not to.

Active pursuit is threatening behavior. That's instigating a fight.

You keep saying that but we just had a trial about it and a jury determined that isn't the case. Following someone isn't illegal.

iq_in_binary:Penman: iq_in_binary: Because the asshole who thinks a gun in his pocket makes him a cop that decided you looked suspicious won't go to jail for shooting you after starting a fight with you and losing.

Every Trayvon cheerleader gets this wrong. Trayvon Martin started the fight.

Actively pursuing somebody starts a fight, sorry.

If someone is trying to get the fark away from you and you won't let them? You're instigating a fight.

Following someone isn't illegal. Punching someone for following you is. Martin had no legal obligation to flee from Zimmerman (but he was only 100 yards from home and had 3 minutes to get there) but he did have a legal obligation not to beat Zimmerman for following him

johnnyrocket:Simple question: if you claim self defense, you need scant proof that it was self defense?

The burden of proof for a self-defense claim doesn't go as high as reasonable doubt, but you do have to demonstrate it pretty strongly. Essentially you have to provide reasonable doubt that what you did was a crime, while admitting that you did it.

Very scary verdict, seems like open season for shooting people for no reason at all. And getting away with it.

You stupid FLORIDIOTS! Too bad "stand your ground" is only a defense if you're white. A woman who fired warning shots at her husband who was coming at her (she had a protective order against him), was just sentenced to 20 yrs in prison. For attempted manslaughter. In Florida. Guess what color she is?

"You have a little black boy who was killed," said Benjamin Crump, an attorney for Martin's parents. "It's going to be reported in history books ,and 50 years from now, our children will talk about Trayvon Martin's case like we talk about Emmett Till."

Jose628:Michael Moore Verified account@MMFlintTrayvon was the 1 who's life was being threatened--by a guy w/ a gun chasing after him! Trayvon had the RIGHT 2 do ANYTHING 2 defend himselfhttps://twitter.com/MMFlint/status/356243570098835459

Really? He *knew* Z had a gun?

So, tell me why he attacked a guy who was armed with a gun...cause that's all kinds of stupid no matter who's the "victim".

/the amount of people who think Z and T were mind reading each other is astounding.

Not a good outcome: this is not a thing to celebrate. No heroics were done here. This is not a thing to be honored.Not a bad outcome: a man who did what he had to do to survive was not punished, when he easily could have been.Not justice: there was no justice to be had. But not injustice either, which could have occurred.

Now healing can begin, if we will let it. It will be a long process, and a painful one. But at least we have not made the wounds worse.

It's times like these that I thank god a live in an area surrounded by rednecks. I'm pissed and I'm white. If a black guy can't walk around without being harassed nobody should be able to. Until this changes black people will be angry, and I understand.

Irresistably stupid force collided with immovably stupid object. What is left is what could be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Personally, I thought manslaughter would have been correct, but I wasn't on the jury. You can't pack heat then go around in a situation that may lead to a confrontation. In addition, you can't jump a dude planning to beat his ass and assume you will come out all right either.

Thus, Florida retains its tag. As someone once said here, Florida is to stupid what Japan is to fetish.

The bottom line is that Zimmerman followed Martin against the orders of the police -- how fearful could he have really have been, especially considering that he had a gun?

At the very least, can we retire this incorrect statement of fact before this thread ends. The 911 dispatcher testified in court that he absolutely could not, did not and would not order George Zimmerman to do anything. He further stated that he is instructed not to order anyone on the other end of the line to do anything because that would potentially make the municipal government liable if the order caused the person to be harmed. He stated that he is allowed to make suggestions only; which is what he did in this instance.

HE SAID THIS IN COURT. NOBODY HAS CONTRADICTED THIS FACT. PLEASE STOP WRONGLY ASSERTING THE OPPOSITE.

Anyone who isn't not-guilty in this case is devoid of all logic. It actually requires deliberate ignorance and making up facts and pure speculation to make this anything other than self defense. It drives me mad that the world is still this farked up.

Zimmerman followed Martin because he fit the profile of suspects who had recently committed crimes in that area. Yes, those suspects were black. Trayvon Martin was skulking through the neighborhood. Yes, he was just trying to get home. There was no way for Zimmerman or anyone else to know that. Zimmerman then called the non-emergency line. The operator (not a police officer) said, about following Trayvon "we don't need you to do that" and Zimmerman said "ok." In the 4 minutes Martin could have chosen to just go home like he intended, he chose to confront Zimmerman with violent force. This force included pinning Zimmerman to the ground, punching Zimmerman in the face, and slamming Zimmerman's head into the concrete. Zimmerman, fearing for his life, fired his gun once and ended his assailant's life.

These are the facts of the case as presented in the trial. There are no other facts. Everyone is just making a bunch of shiat up and it's stupid and disgusting. You never have the right to assault someone who is not actively trying to hurt you and all of your bleeding heart emotion doesn't change the fact that it was a barbaric act on the part of Trayvon Martin that caused Zimmerman to fear for his life, which resulted in Martin's death. Skin color has nothing to do with it.

Martin called Zimmerman a "creepy cracker" and turned back to attack Martin. What if a white man had done the same thing? What if a guy that looked like a skinhead told someone on the phone, same scenario, that "a weird n*gg*r" was following him, and proceeded to turn around and start beating the shiat out of someone over it. There's no difference. The skin colors have no relevance. The ages have no relevance. There are just the facts and if you can't get over that, I pray you never serve on a jury.

for all you ignorant farkers out there, he's several photos of the KelTec PF-11 with the slide locked back:

thats how this gun works. if you think you or any human being can bend the barrel of ANY gun, especially a 9mm which is built to withstand 60,000 PSI, then i have a bridge and some swampland for sale that i think you'd like to buy.

Mentalpatient87:Oh, I've recently purchased a bottle to keep pancake batter in. Just gotta mix up a big batch and funnel it in there, keep it in the fridge. Great for quick, easy pancakes for the terminally lazy like myself. I recommend it. I'm sure a used syrup bottle would work fine.

I'm now convinced half the country was watching a different trial than I was.

911 Operator told him "Ok, we don't need you to do that." And Zimmerman followed the kid anyways. Zimmerman had a loaded gun on him for neighborhood watch duty, who the f*ck does that. He saw a black kid running home in the rain with his hood on and assumed he had robbed a nearby 7-11, so he says "They always get away, f*cking punks."

(CBS News) JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A Florida woman who fired warning shots against her allegedly abusive husband has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Marissa Alexander of Jacksonville had said the state's "Stand Your Ground" law should apply to her because she was defending herself against her allegedly abusive husband when she fired warning shots inside her home in August 2010. She told police it was to escape a brutal beating by her husband, against whom she had already taken out a protective order.http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57433184/fla-mom-gets-20-years-f or -firing-warning-shots/

wedun:steamingpile: RockSteadyUSMC: The judicial system worked exactly how it's supposed to. There was enough reasonable doubt to acquit, and that was how it should be. The judicial system convicts based on facts and should prove beyond a reasonable doubt, not convict based on public opinion.

/USMC MP//Yes I have a clue

Then you are obviously a racist sir!

eh he had a "grill" and THC in his system at the time he was killed

Also he had a "criminal history"

sounds like enough reasonable doubt for me.

Makes me worry about my roommate, who uses pot medicinally for severe migraines but sometimes for recreation too. And has used other drugs as well, and has even helped procure pot for friends (ooh low level dealer, working to establish a customer base). And she has a "criminal history" (protest arrest, and iirc an MIP), until recently lived in Detroit, and is a young adult (22). And has some a few dumbass regrettable pictures on Facebook. Good to know all of that is justification to assume the worst about her, eh? I mean, she is a woman (well duh), and not black, and accomplished, but ignoring all that - about the same eh?

Again: reasonable doubt, the jury was correct. But no, making out Trayvon to be a punk thug kid does NOT have bearing NOR should it justify ANYTHING.

well, that's not rational then. Sure, he may be morally guilty of something but I don't think he is morally guilty of intentional murder. I have no ...

I don't know how old you are, but when 4 LAPD officers were acquitted of beating the crap out of Rodney King and people rioted, the 4 officers were charged again in federal court. IIRC, two of them were found guilty. It would not have happened if not for riots. Even if it doesn't do any good, the possibility that it might do some good--a feeling of empowerment at the very least--is more than they're likely to get through traditional channels. African-Americans are what? 15% of the population? They have very little political (economic) power and it's decreasing every day.

Gyrfalcon:That Zimmerman could have avoided the fight by staying back (or better still, staying in his car) does not matter to a verdict of self-defense; what matter is, at the moment of decision, did he reasonably believe his life was in danger? And clearly, the jury agreed that he did.

The problem is, that it totally dismisses whether or not Martin felt he was in danger to start with.

It can also be irrelevant, if Martin felt threatened, then he was well within his rights to as the law puts it stand his ground. Of course since he's dead, we can't find out if he did indeed felt threatened.

Second of all, would you prefer the alternative? You and the "burn Zimmerman" crew seem to want a justice system where someone can have their life ruined given circumstantial evidence with plenty of doubt to go around.

Cataholic:PsiChick: Pichu0102: Anyone who celebrates this should be shunned.Anyone who threatens him should be prosecuted.Anyone who thinks this means "open season on whatever minority I don't like" should be prosecuted.Violent rioters should be prosecuted.

Furthermore, everyone should be depressed. A kid is dead, his family is scarred, and a man's life was thrown into chaos and will likely be haunted by this for the rest of his life.

No one wins no matter what happens. My main concern was that people would celebrate this trial's conclusion, despite what a horrible thing that is to celebrate, and I was proven right.

Uh...he brought that one on himself...

/If you're Random Dumbfark, sure, you might not know that following a teen boy in the middle of the night is a stupid idea. If you're 'Captain of the Neighborhood Watch' with a 911 dispatcher telling you to stay the fark put...you have no goddamn excuse for the consequences, especially since you are the adult in the situation.

I know. He should have just laid back and taken the beating he deserved. What did he think was gonna happen wearin that skirt?

You want to know the difference between Zimmerman and a rape victim? Zimmerman chose to get out of his car and actively pursue Trayvon while armed*. Rape victims don't usually chase rapists around with guns.

/*And, as you would know if you knew the first damn thing about gun safety, while you are carrying a loaded weapon you DO NOT TAKE ACTION THAT MIGHT PROVOKE A FIGHT.//Godfarkingdamn, how do people miss the most basic gun-safety rules?

As a self-hating white person with a pigeon chest and kazoo voice, I was hoping that George Zimmerman would be found guilty of murder for daring to resist a black man who was doing nothing wrong except for pounding Zimmerman's head against a concrete sidewalk and bloodying his nose in an attempt to exact some measure of racial justice. I am outraged that it is now considered acceptable for lighter-skinned people to act in self-defence against darker-skinned people who are trying to kill them, and I am more outraged still that Zimmerman has been spared prison and the prolonged sexual torture and eventual murder that the verdict would have entailed. Obviously what has happened here proves that the USA is still a dystopian racist theocracy, and by way of protest I am going to obstinately remain in the basement of my house in my predominantly-white, safe, suburban neighbourhood until justice is done, while furiously hammering away at the keyboard.

So, when all this is said and done, what really changes? Nothing. Even if Zimmerman had been found guilty, what was really gained? Nothing. In no way do I mean to belittle or detract from the sad loss of Trayvon's life, but can we be brutally honest for a moment?

We all know that people of all kinds commit crimes; that's beside the point here.We all know that when we talk about "black crime", we're not talking about the majority of black Americans.We all know that racism, police brutality, and corrupt politicians are continuing problems. But they are not the biggest problems at hand.If you dismiss my observations simply on the basis that I'm white (a creepy-ass cracker?), you've got no standing at all calling me a racist or whatever; if fact it only reflects on you. If I'm wrong, just explain why you think so.All that being said . . .

Every day in the inner cities and ghettos all over America, young black men are killing other young black men at a terrifying rate. Good people within the neighborhood feel like hostages while gang bangers and thugs roam freely outside. Drugs, crime, and unemployment are ubiquitous. Song after song by black artists glorify disrespecting women, gluttonous materialism, and disregard for others to the point of violence. The prison industry profits while its dungeons teem with young blacks more than any other group. So where are the nationwide protests? Where is the media outrage? Why this double standard that seems to say - true or not - that the only black life worth being upset about is one taken by a non-black? I ask because this is the very thing that is the problem: The death of Trayvon Martin, though tragic, is but a drop in an ocean in the larger issues concerning race and crime in black America, yet few are addressing these issues with anywhere near the passion that has been generated over this single case. So what's up? What's going on here?

Over seventy people were shot over the 4th of July weekend this year in Chicago alone, over thirty of whom died. Almost all were black, several of whom were innocent children and toddlers. Has anyone shown the same outrage and compassion for them too? Are all these deaths less worthy of attention and outrage because both the victim and the perp are black? And if not, then why the silence?

In a better world, the existing culture of victim-hood and despair would be thrown aside as the self defeating lie that it is and replaced with a Renaissance of black American culture. The existing black leadership that thrives on the anger and the sense of helplessness of the people it claims to represent would be cast away and replaced with strong leaders that would focus on the positive and help their communities strive to achieve their full potential. Begin to rally together not to protest others, but instead to unite as a community, and you have overcome the biggest problem of all.

And Casey Anthony. I knew as soon as the incompetent prosecutor allowed the jury to be made up of 6 white women that this wannabe cop asshat would get off. I hope the blacks burn Florida to the ground.

Based on the testimony of the person Trayvon was on the phone with prior to the fight.

not surprising that people who didn't know the facts of the case would find this ruling controversial.the media should have done a better job presenting the facts, not the hype, emotions and flat out deceptions.

Do black people really say "cracka" still? I thought that was a dated term to use.

his girlfriend testified that he said that on the phone to her

I have words for people that stalk me at night in the dark too while I'm on the sidewalk. They are not complimentary.

if they're racist then guess what? You're a racist.

That's pretty interesting considering I'm a Latino academic who works in African-American Studies. I'll bet your understanding of the historical, social, economic, political and structural components of racism is dazzling to behold. Protip: Language informs racialization and vice versa, but neither of them are equivalent to the other.

Mighty Taternuts:MatrixOutsider: Mighty Taternuts: Raiden333: As the case went on, I started to realize that the case had been mischaracterized in the media and that there was in fact Reasonable Doubt. I saw that the prosecution was unable to establish a consistent narrative of what happened, and relied only on attacking Zimmerman's character and evoking emotion for Martin. I am sad that Martin is dead, it should not have happened. Both men made stupid mistakes that night. I don't know Zimmerman well enough to make a call on if he truly had ill-will in his heart. But I am happy a not guilty verdict was reached, because it means that evidence and the process of law have overridden appeals to emotion.

He chased a kid that did nothing wrong after the 911 operator told him not to, how is that not ill-will?

The operator does not have the authority to issue a police command.

That isn't what I asked. Following an innocent person with the intent of stopping them because you feel they may have done something wrong is ill-will.

Utter Genius:Now sue NBC and get your ruined life back, George Zimmerman.

No, no, no. the next step will be Obama instructing the "Justice" Department to go after him on Federal Charges. Obama will want as much race hatred as possible to increase black turnout in 2014. I bet they even time the arrest to be just about 2 months before the election.

All that twaddle about Uniting rather than dividing the country is over. And you were a fool if you ever believed it.

iq_in_binary:Carth: iq_in_binary: Penman: iq_in_binary: Because the asshole who thinks a gun in his pocket makes him a cop that decided you looked suspicious won't go to jail for shooting you after starting a fight with you and losing.

Every Trayvon cheerleader gets this wrong. Trayvon Martin started the fight.

Actively pursuing somebody starts a fight, sorry.

If someone is trying to get the fark away from you and you won't let them? You're instigating a fight.

Following someone isn't illegal. Punching someone for following you is. Martin had no legal obligation to flee from Zimmerman (but he was only 100 yards from home and had 3 minutes to get there) but he did have a legal obligation not to beat Zimmerman for following him

Wrong.

Legal investigator. MY JOB was following people. You NEVER continuously trail somebody from less than 20-30 yards away. Because any closer is considered menacing. Besides that, if you had half a brain, you wouldn't be trailing somebody in a fashion that would alert them to the fact that you're tailing. For exactly the same reason, it can be construed as intimidating or threatening. Menacing, Intimidation, Stalking, there are all kinds of criminal charges that can and will be levied against you for following people around, and plenty of investigators have been tried with them despite the perfectly legitimate reasons they have to be investigating people.

Constantly following somebody around in a manner that they are aware of and at close proximity IS illegal behavior, in many places majorly so.

Penman:Pincy: Penman: iq_in_binary: Because the asshole who thinks a gun in his pocket makes him a cop that decided you looked suspicious won't go to jail for shooting you after starting a fight with you and losing.

Every Trayvon cheerleader gets this wrong. Trayvon Martin started the fight.

So we have video of how this whole thing went down?

A 911 call and the injuries to Zimmerman.

I'm impressed that you have consistently not been right in your accounting of events

Mighty Taternuts:MatrixOutsider: Mighty Taternuts: Raiden333: As the case went on, I started to realize that the case had been mischaracterized in the media and that there was in fact Reasonable Doubt. I saw that the prosecution was unable to establish a consistent narrative of what happened, and relied only on attacking Zimmerman's character and evoking emotion for Martin. I am sad that Martin is dead, it should not have happened. Both men made stupid mistakes that night. I don't know Zimmerman well enough to make a call on if he truly had ill-will in his heart. But I am happy a not guilty verdict was reached, because it means that evidence and the process of law have overridden appeals to emotion.

He chased a kid that did nothing wrong after the 911 operator told him not to, how is that not ill-will?

The operator does not have the authority to issue a police command.

That isn't what I asked. Following an innocent person with the intent of stopping them because you feel they may have done something wrong is ill-will.

There is no proof that is what happened. He started following Martin when the dispatcher asked "which way is he running" and started returning to his car when the dispatcher said they didn't need him to follow Martin. The state didn't have any evidence that Zimmerman intended to confront martin.

Rwa2play:Coco LaFemme: Of course he got off. All you need to do anymore to get away with murder is say you felt "threatened." Doesn't matter what color anyone is in this equation. Two white people, two black people, mixed...doesn't really matter. As long as you the shooter tell the jury that you were afraid for your life, you could justify killing an infant if it came down to it.

That's how farked up this country is right now.

It's gonna be fun when the tables are turned: Older black man shoots white meth head trying to rob him but was fleeing when shot. Wonder if some on right will be so elated with "Stand Your Ground".

AirForceVet:I'm very unhappy Martin is dead. I honestly believe Zimmerman caused the altercation to happen by his actions. But I accept the jury's decision that Zimmerman didn't murder him nor committed manslaughter.

But I was once a 17-year-old male, walking in my Florida neighborhood at night after going to the local store. Glad no Zimmernam followed me in their car, carrying a gun.

Before the trial, I did no research, I only heard what the mainstream media reported, including the chopped up 911 call NBC played.

When the trial started, I listened to it every day at work, starting out rooting for the prosecution.

As the case went on, I started to realize that the case had been mischaracterized in the media and that there was in fact Reasonable Doubt. I saw that the prosecution was unable to establish a consistent narrative of what happened, and relied only on attacking Zimmerman's character and evoking emotion for Martin. I am sad that Martin is dead, it should not have happened. Both men made stupid mistakes that night. I don't know Zimmerman well enough to make a call on if he truly had ill-will in his heart. But I am happy a not guilty verdict was reached, because it means that evidence and the process of law have overridden appeals to emotion.

Didn't they find Zimmerman liable in the wrongful death suit. They at least recognized he was negligent in his actions.

doccm9:heavymetal: I think it was a clear case of manslaughter due to Zimmerman's negligence. Unfortunately the over reached trying to argue a murder case instead of arguing manslaughter. All they would have had to prove is that George Zimmerman actions caused the unnecessary death of Trayvon Martin and nothing involving motive and such.

Personally I do not think it's right that in Florida you can pretty much provoke someone, shoot them dead if they start kicking your ass, and then get off free claiming self defense.

Free at last, free at last, hallelujah he's free at last. Now let's go linch the DA and prosecutor for misconduct and make sure they get some serious jail time and get millions for the heroic IT guy who exposed their crimes against justice.

Coco LaFemme:Of course he got off. All you need to do anymore to get away with murder is say you felt "threatened." Doesn't matter what color anyone is in this equation. Two white people, two black people, mixed...doesn't really matter. As long as you the shooter tell the jury that you were afraid for your life, you could justify killing an infant if it came down to it.

That's how farked up this country is right now.

It's gonna be fun when the tables are turned: Older black man shoots white meth head trying to rob him but was fleeing when shot. Wonder if some on right will be so elated with "Stand Your Ground".

Mighty Taternuts:Raiden333: As the case went on, I started to realize that the case had been mischaracterized in the media and that there was in fact Reasonable Doubt. I saw that the prosecution was unable to establish a consistent narrative of what happened, and relied only on attacking Zimmerman's character and evoking emotion for Martin. I am sad that Martin is dead, it should not have happened. Both men made stupid mistakes that night. I don't know Zimmerman well enough to make a call on if he truly had ill-will in his heart. But I am happy a not guilty verdict was reached, because it means that evidence and the process of law have overridden appeals to emotion.

He chased a kid that did nothing wrong after the 911 operator told him not to, how is that not ill-will?

Raiden333:As the case went on, I started to realize that the case had been mischaracterized in the media and that there was in fact Reasonable Doubt. I saw that the prosecution was unable to establish a consistent narrative of what happened, and relied only on attacking Zimmerman's character and evoking emotion for Martin. I am sad that Martin is dead, it should not have happened. Both men made stupid mistakes that night. I don't know Zimmerman well enough to make a call on if he truly had ill-will in his heart. But I am happy a not guilty verdict was reached, because it means that evidence and the process of law have overridden appeals to emotion.

He chased a kid that did nothing wrong after the 911 operator told him not to, how is that not ill-will?

steamingpile:RockSteadyUSMC: The judicial system worked exactly how it's supposed to. There was enough reasonable doubt to acquit, and that was how it should be. The judicial system convicts based on facts and should prove beyond a reasonable doubt, not convict based on public opinion.

I swear to god if somebody starts knocking at my door for the obviously satirical post, which I am pointing out right now through this disclaimer, i will kill you. Which that last statement, should not be taken literally either, I meant that as a euphemism, for inviting you in for tea and crumpets, while we have a long discussion about our lord and savior.

honestly, entire thread ruined by pancake bullshiat, want to read, don't want to read so much bullshiat, ill blame the mods since they picked this much shiattier version of the thread with built in off topic.

thornhill:In the heat of the moment when an authority figure says, "we don't need you to do that," that's going to be interpreted as, "don't do it," not, "this person is only phrasing it this way because of liability reason."

I want to state unequivocally that I am pleased with this verdict. I have stated from the start the prosecution did not have a case and would race bait and appeal to emotion. Fortunately, the jury did what the law required.

Now we need to see about bringing up misconduct charges on the prosecutors and judge.

TheDumbBlonde:mr lawson: So a Hispanic shoots a black and is acquitted by women, but it's still white men's fault.

Dude, it's always a white guy;s fault.

What's really funny about comments like this is how it reveals your own racism and ignorance. To you, Zimmerman is "Hispanic" because he's not as pale as a Northern-European, but most light-skinned Hispanics with clearly non-native names don't think of themselves as Hispanic; they think of themselves as White. Racism is actually a huge problem in central and South America as the "Spanish" and "Portuguese" (and in Mexico at least they still call themselves that) behave in exactly the same way towards the "mestizos" and "indios" as white racists do towards everyone else in the US.

Florida won't burn to the ground because, contrary to what conservatives would have you believe, neither blacks nor liberals are irrational, emotion-crazed barbarians who instantly react to things they dislike with violence. Remember: it was white conservatives who started a civil war in the US over not having a president that agreed with them; white conservatives that have been behind all but three of the notable political assassinations in US history; white conservatives who burn down and blow up women's health clinics and shoot to death the doctors and nurses who work at them; white conservatives who lynch non-white and non-christian men for interacting with white women or for the crime of insisting they have basic human dignity. And in this case, it was a white-identifying Latino, one who bought into all the paranoid horseshiat the conservative movement spews about race, youth, and crime, who shot a kid to death in the street at night out of fear, after confronting him out of prejudice for the offense of being black in his own damn neighborhood.

Remember that white and white-identifying US conservatives are dangerous. They are responsible for tens of thousands of deaths and injuries in the US every year. Remember that they are hysterical and unpredictable, and will deploy violence without reason. Make no sudden movements around them and, if you are a minority of any kind, interact with them as little as possible. If you are not a white male, you are not safe around them; if you must interact with them, please seek out a friendly white male to do it for you. In their bottomless, pants-shiatting fear of everyone who isn't Northern-European and be-penised, they will shoot you at the drop of a hat, and never be punished for it. Just ask Yoshihiro Hattori.

thornhill:nekom: shastacola:Speculation about the dead kid who can't tell his side of the story because he's dead-totally legit.Speculation that Zimmerman tailored his story to look like self defense- not based on fact. Right.

I'll admit that the beginning of the physical altercation isn't known 100%, but do you REALLY think Martin DIDN'T attack him? It is the most likely scenario, given what facts we do have. Proven? No. But likely.

Even if he did attack him, that still doesn't mean Zimmerman was so fearful that he would die that he felt his only option was to kill Martin.

The bottom line is that Zimmerman followed Martin against the orders of the police -- how fearful could he have really have been, especially considering that he had a gun?

rdu_voyager:Weaver95: LegacyDL: Lesson learned: listen to authority and don't be the aggressor.

I think the lesson here is: don't be black.

Actually, I think the lesson is: if you defend yourself against a football playing, physically fit, aggressive 17-year-old who happens to be black, the state of Florida will try to railroad your ass no matter how little evidence of murder or manslaughter there is.

Maybe the lesson is this: if the person you are pummeling is screaming for help like a little girl, you should probably stop or he might think the only choice hehas is to pull out his gun and shoot you.

Heron:UNC_Samurai: This is about the prosecution being unable to put together a compelling case.

You don't go to jail just for being proven a racist asshole.

I think it's more the jury not understanding their instruction. 2nd degree murder was a stretch, but an armed person starting an altercation which ends in the death of another is classic manslaughter. That they didn't convict on that charge shows they either didn't understand the conditions for that verdict, or chose not to apply them.

Just because you are armed does not mean you cannot ask someone "What are you doing here". Zimmerman had every right to do what he did. Martin initiated the attack. This is a classic case of self defense, the jury did the right thing.

WhyteRaven74:Demonrats: The similarities are that neither the rape victim or Zimmerman did anything illegal.

Except for the whole stalking someone thing, it's illegal everywhere to just follow someone for the purposes of intimidation. Also for all we know, and there's no way he'd fess up to it, he might have had his gun drawn the whole time. In which case Martin would've been well within his rights to stand his ground.

Seriously, shut up.

If people really think like you, this country is doomed. Thug tried to kill someone, ended up dead. Happy ending. This whole case shows just how racist liberals and minorities in this country are. When they are the majority, what then? Slavery?

UNC_Samurai:This is about the prosecution being unable to put together a compelling case.

You don't go to jail just for being proven a racist asshole.

I think it's more the jury not understanding their instruction. 2nd degree murder was a stretch, but an armed person starting an altercation which ends in the death of another is classic manslaughter. That they didn't convict on that charge shows they either didn't understand the conditions for that verdict, or chose not to apply them.

(CBS News) JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A Florida woman who fired warning shots against her allegedly abusive husband has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Marissa Alexander of Jacksonville had said the state's "Stand Your Ground" law should apply to her because she was defending herself against her allegedly abusive husband when she fired warning shots inside her home in August 2010. She told police it was to escape a brutal beating by her husband, against whom she had already taken out a protective order.http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57433184/fla-mom-gets-20-years-f or -firing-warning-shots/

shastacola:MagSeven: shastacola: Mid_mo_mad_man: Zimmerman was found not guilty. If one followed the court everyday this was an easy verdict to reach. It's clear Martin was not scared of Zimmerman but he was angry. Martin was a thug with a violent past. He was on marijuana and didn't have a clear rational head. Zimmerman had a legal right to follow Martin. He had the right to call 911. No law was broken till Martin jumped George. Once that happened he was in his rights to shot Martin. No tears should be shed for Martin.

Ever notice how many Zimmerman fans feel a need to paint Martin as a thug? What was any more "thuggish" about him than most teenagers? He got suspended from school for graffiti,truancy and pot. Please explain how this makes him a "violent thug".

Well, the actual violence he participated in, referring to your last sentence. But I am really starting to hate the word thug. It's starting to become the "N-word" when you cant say the actual phrase "N-word". How far down the rabbit hole will these hyphenated code words delve?

It is the new N word,it's become very obvious.

Jersey Shore-style guidos get called "thugs" all the time in New Jersey (actually, they probably get called "thugs" more than they get called "guidos", but I digress ...). It's a race neutral term.